Modi in Rajasthan: 'My speech removed,' says Ashok Gehlot; PMO responds

In a tweet, Gehlot claimed his "pre-scheduled" speech was removed so he could only welcome the Prime Minister on the micro-blogging site.

Gehlot tweeted, "Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Today you are visiting Rajasthan. Your office PMO has removed my pre-scheduled 3-minute address from the program, so I will not be able to welcome you through speech, so I heartily welcome you to Rajasthan through this tweet."

Rebutting the claim, the Prime Minister's Office has said it was Gehlot's office that had said the Chief Minister won't be able to give the speech.

The PMO's tweet reads, "Shri @ashokgehlot51 Ji, In accordance with protocol, you have been duly invited and your speech was also slotted. But, your office said you will not be able to join. During PM @narendramodi’s previous visits as well you have always been invited and you have also graced those programmes with your presence.

"You are most welcome to join today’s programme. Your name is very much there on the plaque of the development works as well.   Unless you have any physical discomfort owing to your recent injury, your presence will be deeply valued."

Modi is on his seventh visit in a year to poll-bound Rajasthan, which is ruled by Congress.

Ahead of the 2024 General Elections and especially in the backdrop of the Karnataka defeat, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing to wrest power in the state, which votes every alternate government in five years going by the recent past.